Hemp Cocoa Bites: A wholesome and easy snack

Did you know that snacking accounts for almost half of all eating in the United States? Try as I might to load my son up on plenty of wholesome foods during meals, we can’t seem to get away from snacking.

Since seasonal fruits and raw veggies take up a large portion of our snack menu, it’s no surprise that my son gets bored with the options and starts clamoring for something sweet and chocolatey.

While cookies used to be something that was always on hand in our kitchen, sweet baked goods (even whole grain versions) have become a special-occasion food group. I don’t mind giving my son a cookie every now and then, but when a fresh-baked pan of chocolate chip cookies is staring me in the face… well, the rest of the family will be lucky to get any.

My search for a wholesome, easy, and yes, chocolatey snack led me to something that is popular in fitness communities. Known as energy balls, energy bombs, peanut butter balls, and other monikers, these small raw treats are great to satiate your sweet tooth and provide some healthy fats and proteins. Plus, kids don’t realize they’re being duped in the health-food department.

There are plenty of recipes around that are easily adaptable to your tastes, dietary needs, and ingredient availability. I decided to use hemp hearts, which are hulled hemp seeds, as one of the main ingredients.

Hemp food products have been gaining in popularity in the US and can be found in many natural foods stores and larger supermarkets. I like hemp hearts because they have a mild flavor, making them easy to add to a variety of foods such as oatmeal, yogurt, and homemade veggie burgers.

You can use any variety of peanut butter for these – we like to use dark chocolate peanut butter, removing one more ingredient in the recipe. Also, depending on the peanut butter you use, you might want to add a small amount of salt to the mixture.

In a food processor, pulse together peanut butter, dates, coconut, and cocoa powder until dates are blended in.

Transfer mixture to a bowl and stir in hempseed and oats until well combined and the mixture resembles a thick cookie dough. If needed, add more peanut butter or hempseed/oats.

Scoop out by the tablespoon and roll into balls. Place on waxed paper and store in the fridge until ready to eat.

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Editor’s Note: If you liked these easy, no bake-treats, try these Sun-Butter Bites for another quick and satisfying snack.

What snacks do you like to make at home?

About Megan

Megan Myers is a copyeditor and spatula-wielding mom seeking out the simpler life in Texas. Her blog, Stetted, focuses on her family’s journey from junk food addiction to a diet of local, organic, and whole foods, while exploring the many options farmers provide.

I’ve seen these too! I don’t know much about the benefits (or not) of Hemp, so I’ll need to do a little reading. Though we eat quite healthily and naturally, my husband doesn’t hesitate to pick up sweet treats from the bakery. These just might do the trick! Easy too! Thanks!!

Hi Emily, I used unsweetened coconut. Depending on the kind of peanut butter you’re using (with added sugar or not) and your personal tastes, you might want to use sweetened, but I think the natural coconut and the dates add enough sweetness!

These look awesome! I’ve been looking for ideas for snacks for my daughter. She doesn’t do well with sugar at all – crashes pretty hard afterwards! The natural sugars seem to effect her much less so I’m going to be giving these a try!

So thaaaat’s what you were doing with the hemp hearts. Great idea. My latest snack obsession is a few Pecan Nut Thins (they’re gluten free, but also super delicious) with a wedge of garlic & herb laughing cow cheese. Protein packed and pretty low on the calories and carbs.

How fun! I might have to break our “no snacks except for fruits and vegetables” rule for these. Or maybe we’ll just call them dessert after dinner. Either way, I want to give them a try with some almond butter. Yum!

hi Megan, I had to laugh while i was reading your recipe….the ingredient HEMPSEED… I was a bit worried that it was the natural stage of Marawana…..lol…. I imagine I am totally wrong!! no wonder everyone loves these……he he he…..it’s a seed that I’ve never heard of used for cooking etc. In Malta it is hard to find as here it is only a small island and we just started having HEALTH FOOD STORES but I will try to find out if we have it in the store. Would it be possible to use a substitute if I can’t find it here? This recipe is it good for DIABETICS? to me it seems ok but not sure?

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I'm Aimée, and this blog is devoted to family focused food. This is an encouraging community that offers comprehensive recipes, simple preserving tutorials, and honest tips for cooking with kids. This is our family food life. Join us! Read more...